Good
evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under
attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were
in
airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military
and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives
were
suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.

The pictures
of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing,
have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger.
These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and
retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.

A great
people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the
foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of
America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American
resolve.

America was targeted for attack because we're the
brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep
that light from shining.

Today, our nation saw evil, the very
worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America -- with the daring
of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to
give blood and help in any way they could.

Immediately following
the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our
military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New
York City and Washington, D.C. to help with local rescue efforts.

Our
first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every
precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.

The functions of our government continue without interruption.
Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for
essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial
institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business,
as well.

The search is underway for those who are behind these
evil acts. I've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement
communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make
no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor
them.

I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who
have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American
people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences
and assistance.

America and our friends and allies join with
all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win
the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve,
for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety
and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power
greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even though
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are
with me."

This is a day when all Americans from every
walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down
enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this
day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our
world.